Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister QC MLA:
“I greatly welcome the acquittal of Pastor James McConnell.
“This was an unnecessary and vindictive prosecution which the PPS should never have brought. The Director of Public Prosecutions needs to urgently review his procedures so as to filter out prosecutions which pander only to a misguided agenda of political correctness.
“This was an audacious attempt by the PPS to severely curb the foundational right of freedom of expression by bringing censure to the pulpit. I’m glad the meddling of the PPS suffered the rebuff of acquittal and trust they will learn from the experience.
“While Islamist extremists, it seems, can do and say as they like in the UK, a Christian preacher was hounded through the courts for daring to speak his mind. The DPP should be ashamed.
“As for Pastor McConnell and his family they were needlessly put through months of traumatic pressure. I commend the fortitude and spirit with which Pastor McConnell bore this vindictive prosecution.”